Causes: Recreational Clubs, Sports

Mission: To put christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Ymca programs are designed for people of all ages, abilities, faiths, ethnic groups, and income. Ymca programs help develop self-esteem and self-confidence, build lasting relationships and increase civic engagement.

Programs: Aquatics: individual and group classes are offered to all regardless of age - starting at six months old. The low-cost lifeguard education program provides teens with skills that they can use during their first summer jobs, and also provides early responsibility and leadership education. Low-impact water aerobics classes are geared toward our older active population, and are helping to maintain flexibility and physicality for a group that is at risk for bone breaks. The social aspect of the exercise groups cannot be discounted, as the y functions as a vital social network for isolated seniors.

education: the battle creek family ymca offers a wide array of programs that instill core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in our newest generation of citizens. On a daily drop-in basis, children from the age of six weeks to 12 years old have the opportunity to engage in age-appropriate play and social interaction. The y also offers the lemontree preschool, a licensed program, for children from 3 to 5 year old. Children have the opportunity to develop social networks, learn kindergarten readiness skills, and participate in the full range of physical activities offered at the y. No child is turned away for lack of financial resources. The y is an integral partner with the battle creek public schools' 21st century community learning program. The battle creek family ymca literacy program provides assistance to adults in basic education classes, english as a second language classes and ged preparation classes. The classes are geared toward helping adults obtain a ged and skills necessary for employment.

healthy living: the battle creek family ymca provides a family oriented environment for the community to create, maintain, and enhance a healthy lifestyle. Classes vary from pilates to weight training, and beginner to advanced. If group classes aren't appealing to some, members may work on thier fitness goals in two distinct workout areas. Wellness coaches provide direction so that all activities are safe, beneficial and fun. The y takes its healthy lifestyle into the community with its corporate cup program where companies participate in friendly competition that builds community spirit and healthy bodies.

healthy communities: the y partners with the calhoun county department of public health to deliver wellness and fitness programming to members of the community. The programs are designed to impact obesity and chronic disease factors by teaching individuals healthy lifestyle habits. Overall, the goal is to impact the health of the community.